Head of Legal – Renewable Energy - Johannesburg

Our client is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable energy solutions to South African businesses. They design, install, own, finance and maintain energy assets, catering to customers in the retail, tourism, residential, and commercial and industrial sectors.

They are seeking a highly skilled and autonomous Head of Legal to join their team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for offering legal advice, identifying and mitigating legal and contractual risk, drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements and managing various legal transactions and debt recoveries and support to the various subsidiaries in the group. A strong grasp of the energy and construction environments is beneficial. This role requires a detail-oriented and adaptable individual who can thrive in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, settle and negotiate and execute various types of agreements, including but not limited to
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
  • Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC/EPCM) Agreements – (JBCC, NEC. FIDIC).
  • Operations & Maintenance Agreements and related project documentation.
  • agreements, memoranda of understanding, and asset sale agreements.
• Manage legal aspects of setting up joint ventures with partners.
• Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Instruct and manage to effectively and efficiently manage project pipeline, corporate responsibilities, and litigation.
• Provide strategic corporate counsel and efficient resolution of all legal issues, and represent group in any legal disputes, if required.
• Document legal, commercial, and risk policies and processes, where required.
• Maintain loan agreement compliance and be involved in closing debt and equity transactions.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to support business objectives.
• Maintain accurate and organised records, including updating the company contract tracker.
•  Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant developments.
• Lead the legal function, including building and managing a legal team as the business grows.
• Work across key divisions and teams including Business development, engineering, executive to ensure that agreements are relevant to projects and legally robust.
• Other duties, as required.

Requirements

• An admitted attorney with a minimum of 6–10 years post-admission experience in a similar role. Energy, construction or infrastructure projects sector experience preferred.
• Strong experience in drafting and negotiating various types of agreements.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal transactions.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and able to work independently.
• Strong understanding of South African corporate and commercial law.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and across multiple teams and divisions.
• Client-facing experience and the ability to understand and respond effectively to client needs.
• Commercially astute, with effective negotiation capability.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Package & Remuneration

Salary: Market Related

Interested?

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